Crane systems supplier PACECO Corp., has confirmed a new pilot programme at Yusen Terminals Inc (YTI) in the Port of Los Angeles for the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered rubber-tyred gantry (RTG).
The new unit, known as a H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, has been developed in collaboration with MITSUI E&S and with funding from the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). It commenced operations in mid-May 2024.
The new design RTG runs 100% on fuel-cell hydrogen technology, representing an unprecedented first for terminal operations, offering the ability to achieve zero emissions on large container cranes without connecting to the electric grid.
The fuel-cell power pack (FCPP), an efficient power system replacing a typical diesel genset, was designed and built by MITSUI E&S in Oita, Japan, with hydrogen being provided by Toyota Tsusho for the project. Modification of existing conventional diesel RTGs is possible to achieve zero emissions with the FCPP system.
A typical diesel-powered RTG crane emits the carbon dioxide equivalent of burning over 400 barrels of oil per year, while the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane emits nothing. This pilot project is scheduled to operate over the next four years at YTI
Initially, the crane will operate for 16 hours per day and will perform at the same efficiency as a conventional diesel-powered or hybrid RTG crane. In addition to emissions reduction, the crane offers reduced noise pollution for port workers.
Alan McCorkle, President & CEO at YTI notes: “Bringing the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane into operation at our terminal is a critical step towards a zero-emissions terminal. This crane will help support the Port of LA’s ambitious sustainability goals, namely the Clean Air Action Plan, in reducing the emissions that affect overburdened communities near the port.”
